20 Nursing Slang and Code Words

In every career, there is job slang and code words that are specific to that particular line of work. It’s no different for nurses. We have our own slang terms and code phrases, some of which are quite entertaining! Some words and phrases, you will notice are specific to certain geographical areas. There are many terms that you may have never heard, but are very common in other North American states or even other countries! HHere are some of the most common nursing slang terms and codes!

#1. “Princess/Prince/Diva”

This refers to a patient who stays on the call bell frequently for minor things and seems to never be satisfied. For example: Pillow must be fluffed just so, requires X number of blankets, requests Styrofoam cups instead of plastic, etc.

#2. Celestial Discharge

Sadly, it is not as pretty as it sounds. When a patient is celestially discharged, it means that the patient has died.

#3. “Code brown”

Large poop. Call backup.

#4. “Frequent flyer”

Usually, this phrase is used along with #2. Refers to patients that come into the ER a lot.

#5. “Sundowner/sundowning”

Patients with dementia start going crazy when the sun goes down. Alert and oriented sweet little old lady turns to confused and combative old lady in two-point restraints by 7 pm. Everyone with a dementia diagnosis all aboard the Ativan at 5 pm!

#6. “Vampire”

No, it’s not Edward Cullen. A hospital vampire is a phlebotomist.

#7. “Trainwreck”

A patient who is not doing well, with multiple acute problems at one time. For example: